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Every few weeks, Graham B. Gill was asked, "Is it ready yet?"
After 10 years of planning, cleaning and renovating the answer is finally "yes." The last pin has been set and Programs Employing People (PEP) Bowl has opened for business in the basement of the building at 1200 S. Broad St.
"Something that is missing for the disabled is the chance for social contact and recreation," PEP Director of Development Mark Valentine said, citing one of the pluses of the six-lane bowling alley that opened about a month ago.
The completely handicap-accessible bowling alley provides an area for socializing, as well as jobs for the disabled and a source of income for PEP. A majority of PEP’s funding comes from government grants with help from individual and organizational donations. With threats of city budget cuts, Gill, PEP’s executive director, said the organization needed a stronger source of steady income.
About 120 people are at the 40-year-old PEP each day, utilizing its programs. The nonprofit provides vocational, educational and social support for people with developmental disorders and their families. Over the last eight years, the organization has added other programs, including an Adult Basic Education Night School for people with developmental disabilities as well as Community Adult Basic Education and The Move-Up Program for those without disabilities.
The PEP Bowl project, which included extensive cleaning and renovations, cost about $350,000. St. Monica Bowling Lanes, 1601 W. Shunk St., is the only other neighborhood facility. PEP Bowl’s goal is to bring in more finances to expand its free services. The organization is looking to add vocational and job placement services for people in the community.
During an open bowling night, a person can rent shoes, play a game and get a snack for about $12. The rates change depending on the time of day and the function. Operating seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., open bowling hours are in the afternoon, however, popularity is spreading fast and patrons are encouraged to book lanes in advance.
"Leagues have a lower rate, and there is a special senior citizen rate. For example, you could rent the whole facility for around $400, or rent a lane by the hour. We are very flexible to each situation," Gill said.
Resident Jen Reardon, of Broad and Dickinson streets, added "I think it’s a good thing to have something in South Philadelphia that everyone could do. Sure, there are bowling alleys like Lucky Strikes in Center City, but some people might not want to travel that far or don’t have the means to do so."
Entertainment is only one aspect of the Brunswick-outfitted PEP Bowl. To bring it up to speed they installed new pinsetters, electronic scoring and synthetic lanes. New bowling balls and shoes were purchased.
The old, auditorium-style seating was removed and replaced with handicap-accessible tables. A few of the thinly curved 1960s’ style benches were restored, creating a retro feel.
A wheelchair lift helps bowlers get from the entrance to the basement. Ball ramps are available for those who are physically or visually impaired, but can push a ball down the lane.
General Manager Daniel J. Ciecka, who handles the alley’s operations, has six staffers through PEP that have various duties, such as running the snack bar, handing out shoes and acting as a host for individual bowlers and at parties and events. Ron Faison, a United States Bowling Congress certified coach, is on site to improve skills.
A VIP card, which is issued when a first- time bowler registers, keeps an electronic record of scores.
"Shift workers who want to form a league were concerned that they would never be all able to bowl together due to conflicting hours. The card will make it possible for league members to bowl on different days, yet all of the scores would be together in the system," Valentine said.
In true Philadelphia style, a mural is in the facility’s future. There is no specific timeframe, but the plan is to have a fresco relating to bowling and sports.
"Resident artists involved with PEP’s adult programs are planning to paint a mural on the now-bare walls," Valentine said, grinning with excitement.
A bowling alley wouldn’t be complete without snacks and music. All of the typical bad-for-you-yet-so-delicious foods like pizza and soda are available, but this snack bar features eats from Chickie’s Italian Deli, 1014 Federal St. Bowlers are welcome to bring their own treats and their own music via CDs and MP3 players to use through the sound system, but music is provided. Alcohol is not available, but Gill said they are working on a BYOB policy.
PEP Bowl’s first few events have been a huge successes. Every other Friday, a social night is held for those involved with the organization.
"Our second event was March 6 and over 60 bowlers showed up. The place was packed with people dancing, bowling and high-fiving," Ciecka said. "Seniors, Mummers and local business leagues, along with birthday parties and adult events, will keep the center rocking through the summer."
Valentine is spreading the word by meeting with organizations and community groups, but a board member is preparing to design and launch a Web site devoted to PEP Bowl.
"All work and no play gets very old and we are excited to mix in recreation with PEP Bowl," Gill said.
For more information, visit www.pepservices.org.
